Bayern lock in France defender Pavard for 2019: report

Bayern Munich have secured France defender Benjamin Pavard from the start of the 2019-2020 season, German football magazine Kicker reported on Thursday.

Bayern reportedly agreed the deal with Stuttgart before the World Cup, where the 22-year-old, who has been playing fullback for France, scored a spectacular goal in the victory over Argentina.

Kicker reported that the deal is worth 35 million euros ($40.9 million), which, it said, was the value of the buyout clause in his contract.

Pavard, who can also play as a centre back, has just helped Stuttgart win promotion to the Bundesliga and the club’s sports director Michael Reschke had insisted the club would not let him go this season.